A WEEKLY ONLINE PUBLICATION / WWW.MFA.GOV.KZ ISSUE NO. 474 / FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2016

President Appoints New Prime Minister, Reshuffles Government

Also In The NewsIn Focus:Foreign Policy Priorities

Nazarbayev Pays Tribute to Late Uzbek President in Samarkand

President Appoints New Prime Minister, Reshuffles Government

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Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev opened the fall government session Sept. 8-9 by assigning top officials to new posts and announcing a number of budget changes.

Nazarbayev named former First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Bakhytzhan Sagintayev as prime minister, replacing Karim Massimov. Sagintayev served as minister of economic development and trade, first deputy chairman of the Nur Otan Democratic Party and minister of regional development.

Massimov assumes chairmanship of the National Security Committee, replacing Vladimir Zhumakanov. The two-term prime minister previously headed the Cabinet of Ministers and Presidential administration.

The reshuffle included Zhumakanov becoming an assistant to the president and secretary of the Security Council under the President and Askar Mamin, former head of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, the national railway company, appointed First Deputy Prime Minister.

In addition, General Staff Chief Col. Gen. Saken Zhasuzakov was named Minister of Defence replacing Imangali Tasmagambetov, who was appointed Deputy Prime Minister. Most ministers retained their jobs except Minister of Justice Berik Imashev who was appointed to chair the Central Electoral Commission, replaced by Marat Beketayev, until recently Deputy Chief of Presidential Staff. The Ministry of Civil Service was reorganised into the Agency on Civil Service and Fighting against Corruption, now led by Chairman Kairat Kozhamzharov, while the former Minister Talgat Donakov was reappointed as Deputy Chief of Presidential Staff. Also a new Ministry of Religious Affairs and Civil Society has been established, with the former Secretary of Security Council Nurlan Yermekbayev to lead one.

Nazarbayev outlined a number of specific tasks for the coming period. Noting the government’s main goal will be improving the standard of living, he specifically cited entrepreneurship and called for further development of relevant programmes.

“I instruct the government jointly with akims [governors] to take measures for the organisation of cooperatives in rural areas, which should ensure the marketing and processing of agricultural products,” he said.

Replenishing the state budget with 830 billion tenge (US$2.5 billion) by the end of the year will aid in the shift from crisis management to implementing strategic development objectives, he added.

President Nazarbayev (left) and newly appointed Prime Minister Bakhytzhan Sagintayev

Nazarbayev suggested using the last quarter to prepare a new agribusiness development programme based on Agribusiness 2020. An additional 97 billion tenge (US$287.1 million) will be allocated to improve agricultural subsidies and support agribusiness, specifically veterinary safety.

In an effort to diversify the economy, the President called on the government and regional governors to focus on export stimulation and development, specifically the need to execute agreements with China on the Silk Road Economic Belt. The action will subsequently allow the nation to focus inward, specifically in conjunction with the Nurly Zhol economic stimulus programme, and he requested an additional 74 billion tenge (US$219 million) to accelerate ongoing infrastructure projects.

“We started the second five-year industrial programme . . . and a new five-year plan should be oriented on non-primary export products. The main criteria for selecting projects should be export capacity, high performance and innovation. I instruct the government to allocate the necessary additional funding to support the programme in the amount of 112 billion tenge (US$331.5 million),” he said.

He added the National Bank and government must take measures to restore long-term lending activity in light of stabilisation in the currency market. The World Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Asian Development Bank and Islamic Development Bank are planning to allocate up to $7 billion in the next five years through a cooperation programme approved in 2014 and he suggested the possibility of expanding the programme to attract additional funds to the economy.

Focusing on individuals’ needs, Nazarbayev noted a record 9 million square metres of housing was opened in 2015 and an additional 10 million square metres are anticipated by the end of the year. Because needs remain high, he proposed developing a system to integrate all existing housing programmes.

The President called for a revised central government budget for the current year allocating an additional 380 billion tenge (US$1.1 billion) to implement priority projects and activities and for a hold on the National Fund savings.

“In 2016, I instruct reducing the amount of the guaranteed transfer on 400 billion tenge [US$1.2 billion] and the targeted transfer on 50 billion tenge [US$148 million]. The government needs to revise the costs of executing my orders for the coming three-year period in the draft budget for 2017–2018, which will be submitted to Parliament,” he said.

Nazarbayev Pays Tribute to Late Uzbek President in Samarkand

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President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev paid his respects to the recently deceased president of Uzbekistan, Islam Karimov, during a visit to Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Sept. 12, according to Akorda’s press service.

Nazarbayev laid flowers at Karimov’s grave, met with the late leader’s family and offered condolences on his behalf and on behalf of the people of Kazakhstan. He had had a relationship with Karimov based on friendship, understanding and sincere support, Nazarbayev said.

Kazakhstan’s President stressed Karimov’s historical role in the formation of Uzbekistan following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

“I am confident that the next generation will always remember Islam Karimov,” he said. “His solid heritage, such as establishing the new independent country, will be studied by your descendants and his deeds will be written down in the history of Uzbekistan with golden letters. He was a leader whose name was associated with the formation of the [contemporary Uzbek] state and growth of the economy as well as improving people’s welfare. We lost a great personality.”

As Uzbekistan’s first president, Karimov played a crucial role in strengthening strategic ties with Kazakhstan as the region embraced independence, Nazarbayev said.

“The people of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have always supported each other,” Nazarbayev explained. “We signed the agreement on eternal friendship at Turkestan’s Mausoleum of Khodja Akhmed Yassaui in 1998. Our relationships are based on this historic agreement. Kazakhstan has always been and will always be close to the Uzbek people. We share our joys as well as our troubles with you.”

During his visit, Nazarbayev also met with acting President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, during which Nazarbayev again stressed Karimov’s incomparable contribution to the development of the friendly relationship the two countries now enjoy.

“All his activities served to further strengthen the friendship between our people, because we share a common history, religion and culture,” Nazarbayev told him. “It is important to be able to preserve these values. We have always been able to find mutually acceptable solutions to any issues, both in the course of bilateral meetings and within the framework of international organisations. It is necessary to continue to strengthen our fraternal relations.”

Nazarbayev and Mirziyoyev also touched on topics of bilateral significance as well as regional and international issues.

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have signed 173 bilateral documents to date, including the significant 1998 bilateral Treaty of Eternal Friendship and the 2013 bilateral Agreement on Strategic Partnership.During Nazarbayev’s April meeting with Karimov in Tashkent, the two leaders called jointly on all other Central Asian governments to rely on the universally accepted norms of the international water law as fixed by UN conventions, a challenging issue in the region. Nazarbayev and Karimov also reiterated their support for the stabilisation of Afghanistan and measures to foster economic development in their regional neighbour.

“All his activities served to further strengthen the friendship between our people, because we share a common history, religion and culture,” Nazarbayev told him. “It is important to be able to preserve these values. We have always been able to find mutually acceptable solutions to any issues, both in the course of bilateral meetings and within the framework of international organisations. It is necessary to continue to strengthen our fraternal relations.”

President Nursultan Nazarbayev lays flowers at the burial place of late Uzbek President Islam Karimov

In Focus: Foreign Policy Priorities

Welcoming Investment

Korea, Kazakhstan to share road building expertiseKorea Expressway Corporation and KazAvtoZhol national company intend to exchange experience in reconstruction, construction, and repair of highways and to develop cooperation in the implementation of technologies in road construction.

Chairman of KazAvtoZhol Yermek Kizatov and General Director on Foreign Projects of Korea Expressway Corporation Min Jeong have signed a memorandum on mutual understanding and cooperation in the field of road-transport construction and implementation of new technologies.

The Kazakh company clarified that using the technologies will increase labour productivity and reduce costs in the company’s operation.

Min Jeong noticed that the cooperation in the road-transport field between Kazakhstan and Korea will open new opportunities for development and implementation of intelligent transportation systems in Kazakhstan.

“Today, we are signing a memorandum on mutual understanding and cooperation, and I am sure that this event will improve our partnership, relations and development of long-term, effective and mutually beneficial cooperation between KazAvtoZhol and Korea Expressway Corporation,” Kizatov said.

Korea Expressway Corporation is one of the major companies in road construction internationally. It was established in 1969 and as of today, controls networks of expressways with a total length about 4,000 kilometres. The company plans to increase the number up to 6,000 kilometres by 2020. (astanatimes.com)

KAZNEX INVEST plans trade mission to Dushanbe The national agency of export and investments KAZNEX INVEST plans to present the industrial potential and export potential of Kazakhstan by organising a trade mission to Dushanbe, Tajikistan Oct. 19-21. KAZNEX INVEST invites Kazakh enterprises and business associations wishing to develop trade relations with Tajikistan to participate in a trade mission. A business forum and bilateral meetings of Kazakhstan’s producers and Tajikistan’s importers are planned. (bnews.kz)

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Strengthening UN & Int’l Security

Kazakhstan condemns nuclear test in DPRKOn Sept. 9, Kazakhstan’s seismic stations that are members of the International Monitoring System (IMS) for verification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) registered a seismic event with the epicentre close to Pungeri nuclear test site in North Korea. Analyses confirmed that a testing of nuclear weapons took place there.

Kazakhstan strongly condemns the actions of North Korea that violate UN Security Council resolutions.

Kazakhstan is co-chair with Japan of the ninth Conference on Article XIV of the CTBT Japan and chairs the International Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation. Kazakhstan believes that the extremely irresponsible actions of North Korea have a negative impact on the nuclear disarmament process and pose a threat to security, both regionally and globally

Read full text here: http://bit.ly/2cw4KIx

Hosting Astana Expo 2017

100 countries confirm participation in EXPO 2017One hundred countries have confirmed they will participate in EXPO 2017, said EXPO 2017 National Commissioner Rapil Zhoshybayev during a Sept. 8 briefing at the Central Communications Service (CCS).

“Thus, the plan has been fulfilled,” he said citing a registration dossier submitted by Kazakhstan. “However, our work is not completed. The campaign on attracting international participants will be continued until the end of the year. In addition, currently activities are being conducted on appointing commissioners of national sections and signing participation agreements.”

During the last two years, Kazakhstan was involved in attracting international participants. The Kazakh side conducted negotiations with leaders in the sphere of renewable and alternative energy sources, as well as with developing states, inviting them to take part in the exhibition and use this platform to share their experience and advanced technologies. Many leading states in the sphere of green technologies have already confirmed participation. Among them are China, Brazil, Switzerland, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Finland, Saudi Arabia, India, Vatican and Germany. (astanatimes.com)

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Also In The News...

• President Congratulates Muslims on Eid al-AdhaPresident Nursultan Nazarbayev congratulated Kazakhstan’s Muslims Sept. 12 on the Islamic holiday Qurban Ait (Eid al-Adha) and visited the Hazrat Sultan Mosque in Astana. He wished happiness, wellbeing and success to his fellow citizens, noting for 10 years Kazakhstan has celebrated Qurban Ait and Orthodox Christmas as public holidays.“I congratulate you on Holy Qurban Ait. This bright holiday symbolises kindness and good deeds and calls for people to have mercy and compassion. This holiday fills our hearts with love to close people and makes us care for those who need it. The celebration of Qurban Ait strengthens the moral principles of our society and acquaints us with spiritual traditions,” he said.Nazarbayev emphasised all Kazakh achievements became possible due to the unity and peace in the country.“Each religion calls for unity, mercy and respect for each other. A real Muslim is the one who helps people, society and his Motherland, as well as respects all the religions of the world,” he said. “Over 25 years of the successful development of Kazakhstan, Qurban Ait has become a remarkable holiday strengthening inter-ethnic unity in the society.” (akorda.kz)

• GGG earns 36th win, 23rd consecutive knockoutWorld Boxing Association (WBA), International Boxing Organisation (IBO), International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Council (WBC) middleweight world champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (36-0-0) earned his 36th career win and 23rd consecutive knockout Sept. 10 over Britain’s Kell Brook (36-1-0). He forced the latter’s corner to throw in the towel in the fifth round in front of his 19,000 home crowd at London’s O2 arena. For Golovkin, it was his biggest cash prize fight of more than $4 million. “Thank you very much, London,” said Golovkin after the match. “I always bring a big drama show. I knew that Kell was a very good fighter. But …he did not hurt me at all. There were a lot of punches, but I didn’t feel them. I respect Kell and thanks to his corner. I am a boxer. So now I want a unification fight. I would absolutely come back to the U.K. to fight and I would like to fight Billy Joe Saunders for his belt. But I am open to everybody.” (astanatimes.com)

• 12th Eurasia International Film Festival to be held Sept. 24-30 in AlmatyThe 12th Eurasia International Film Festival will be held Sept. 24-30 in Almaty. More than 80 films will be shown and Arab films of different genres will be screened for the first time in the event’s history. The festival will be held under the motto “Love as the basis of human life and a path for the harmonisation of cultures” and will bring together countries of Asia, Europe and the global community.“In the year that marks the 25th anniversary of the independence of Kazakhstan and the millennium of the city of Almaty, these seven days will become a meeting place and the beginning of creative projects for film professionals from all continents,” said festival president Rashid Nugmanov. This year, the organisers plan to bring the festival to the streets by making it more democratic and popular. The part of the festival called The Love for the City will be screened in public places such as cafés and parks and will be free to attend. (astanatimes.com)

• World Skills Kazakhstan-2016 competition opens in Astana The World Skills Kazakhstan-2016 competition organised by the Kazakh Ministry of Education and Science and Kasipkor national holding officially opened Sept. 12 in Astana. World Skills is an international non-profit movement among 75 countries which aims to promote the benefits of and need for qualified professionals through competitions, joint projects and shared experiences. One hundred and forty participants from 16 regions of the country have come to the capital to take part in the event. The competition has 15 categories, such as gastronomy, restaurant service, confectionery and hairdressing. The winners will be included in the national team and defend Kazakhstan’s honour in the European tournament in Switzerland. Kazakhstan became the 70th country of the World Skills Competition in 2014. The largest international professional skills competition was held in Kazakhstan for the first time the following year and was attended by more than 70 competitors from all over the country. (pm.kz)

• Glass bottomed mountain attraction to be completed by 2020 near AlmatyStep into the Void, a glass-bottomed attraction in the Almaty Mountains, will be constructed in 2018-2020, said Almaty city’s tourism department head Timur Duisengaliyev during the Sept. 6 Medeu Invest Forum. “Almaty residents know where the Shymbulak Ski Resort is located. There is a higher cableway and a black rock called Chkalov Peak. We want to make an additional station on the top of that cliff and make a unique attraction there. “Maybe it will be extended up to Nursultan Peak; this way we want to extend the tourist season. Step into the Void is an attraction where a person steps on a glass floor and he is practically over the abyss. It is such an adrenaline rush and a good observation deck. The catering point will be located next to the attraction. The project model is popular abroad; most likely, we will have a group of investors. We began talks with the new head of the Shymbulak Ski Resort and perhaps they will join this project as well,” he added. Step into the Void will be fully financed by the investors. The cost of the project will be about 30 million euros (US$33.8 million) and the payback period will be five-seven years. Similar attractions already exist in China and Europe, where visitors experience the dizzying emotion of stepping into the abyss. (astanatimes.com)

• Five travel agencies purchase 74,000 EXPO 2017 ticketsAstana EXPO 2017 has signed contracts with five travel agencies which will purchase more than 74,000 tickets for the exhibition. The company held a series of information rounds across Kazakhstan Sept. 4-11 for about 100 tour operators from around the world. Representatives of large tourist companies from Russia, China, Europe, Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) participated in the activities. The tour was divided into five sections including Astana sightseeing, national parks, historical and cultural places, the spaceport and gambling zones.The format acquainted foreign travel agencies with tourist routes in the western ring of the country, the Silk Way and East and Northern Kazakhstan, as well as the cities of Almaty and Astana. (bnews.kz)

• Five travel agencies purchase 74,000 EXPO 2017 ticketsAstana EXPO 2017 has signed contracts with five travel agencies which will purchase more than 74,000 tickets for the exhibition. The company held a series of information rounds across Kazakhstan Sept. 4-11 for about 100 tour operators from around the world. Representatives of large tourist companies from Russia, China, Europe, Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) participated in the activities. The tour was divided into five sections including Astana sightseeing, national parks, historical and cultural places, the spaceport and gambling zones. The format acquainted foreign travel agencies with tourist routes in the western ring of the country, the Silk Way and East and Northern Kazakhstan, as well as the cities of Almaty and Astana. (bnews.kz)

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